Powerful winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, though officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
